Fixture

In bright sunlight and a sharp breeze across the field, Ystalyfera kicked off at Maesteg Quins. The contest began with an early tussle for possession of the ball. In the 7^th minute, a catch-and-drive move by the Quins forwards took play close to the ‘Fera tryline, flanker Stephen Williams getting the first try which was not converted. Ystalyfera restarted aggressively and from good line out ball, centre Martyn Davies burst thru the home defence, being fouled in the process. The penalty kept ‘Fera on the attack and winger Luc Caines equalised with a well taken try, which outside half Gareth James converted – score: 5 – 7. Maesteg Quins continued to compete and Ystalyfera were losing the ball in open play. The Quins, kicking often for position applied pressure, being helped by the failure by ‘Fera to find touch when clearing out of defence. A scrum in the 22^nd minute saw the referee award the home side a penalty which outside half Lloyd Bradley converted – score: 8 – 7. Nine minutes later and a second penalty from a scrum saw Bradley convert again – score: 11 – 7. Ystalyfera were again quicker off the mark on the re-start, and a turn-over scrum won impressively by the ‘Fera pack let scrum half Nathan Cornelius pick up and run in the second ‘Fera try, again converted by Gareth James – score: 11 – 14. Just before half time Ystalyfera captain Steffan Jones was surprisingly yellow carded by the referee for handling the ball illegally.  

Only two minutes into the second half and Maesteg Quins caught Ystalyfera cold, hooker and coach Jay Ronan getting their second try, Bradley converting – score: 18 – 14. The contest was now hotting up, the ‘Fera forwards working the ball out of defence and the backs moving play into stronger positions. Maesteg however were not losing their resolve and in the 58^th minute prop Dean Ronan drove over the line for the home sides third try, again converted – score: 25 – 14. Both sides now played a very open game, both after bonus points. Following a lengthy break following a facial injury to ‘Fera prop Daniel White, Quins winger Alex Griffiths broke thru the visitor defence to get the 4^th try in the 72^nd minute. Lloyd Bradley kicked his 3^rd penalty six minutes later. Ystalyfera to their credit did not give up and in the 3^rd minute of added on time wing Emyr Myers sprinted into the corner for the final try of the game, which ended 33 – 19.

Always a difficult game away at Maesteg Quins, Ystalyfera’s efforts failed to achieve the consistency required to get a win. Having now dropped into a relegation position it can be viewed as fortunate that enough games remain to give the side the opportunity to rectify things during the weeks ahead.

Penalty count was 10 for Ystalyfera, with 15 against;

4 for holding the ball on floor, 5 in scrum, 2 offside, 2 not releasing in tackle, 1 side entry and 1 for abuse.